Deformable photoelastic device

ABSTRACT

A sky kaleidoscope system includes a polarizing film, a first plastic plate having a first transparent design, and a second plastic plate having a second transparent design. The polarizing film is sandwiched between the first plastic plate and the second plastic plate. The first and second transparent designs are photoelastic and/or light diffracting. The sky kaleidoscope may be held up to the sky and the plastic plates and polarizing film may be looked through to view resulting rainbow colors in the first or second transparent design.

This application is a continuation-in-part of U.S. application Ser. No.12/316,238 filed Dec. 10, 2008 which is a continuation-in-part of U.S.application Ser. No. 10/765,115, filed Jan. 28, 2004, which are herebyincorporated by reference in their entirety.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

Photoelasticity is a property of certain materials that is used forstress analysis of materials in the fields of scientific measurement andmechanical engineering. Prior methods of using photoelasticity involvemeasurements of stress distribution within structures.

Needs exist for toys and entertainment devices that amuse as well as tostimulate an interest in science and engineering in children and adults.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

The present invention is a toy, art object, decoration, ornament,entertainment device, advertising device, paperweight or other devicemade of a deformable plastic material in shapes of prisms, lenses,wedges, cubes, pyramids, as well as other forms that display thechanging stress patterns formed by deformations of the photoelasticmaterial. The toy may have one or more magnets embedded within thephotoelastic plastic material. Magnets or other devices apply force onthe material, deform it, and create fringes generated by the resultantstress pattern. The viewing effects increase the entertainment andaesthetic value of the devices.

A preferred device has a deformable transparent form made ofpolyurethane or made of a polymer resin placed between two lightpolarizing films. As light is shown through the object, fringes appearin the object and may be projected on a screen.

Generally, the photoelastic material is a transparent solid. However,the degree of transparency or opacity may vary to enhance the visualcharacteristics and create different effects in different moldedobjects. A single object may have regions that are transparent, someregions that are opaque and some regions that are translucent or anycombination thereof.

The photoelastic material has characteristics that vary within the sameitem or from item to item. The chemical makeup of the plastic may varyas long as the plastic is photoelastic. The photoelastic material mayalso vary in its modulus of elasticity to create variable opticalcharacteristics when stressed. The photoelastic material may be clear orcolored. Additionally, color may be varied from one object to another orcolor can be varied within the same item. Areas of a single photoelasticobject can be blue, another red, a third yellow, etc.

The shapes of the toy may be geometric shapes, flexible sheets, prisms,lenses, wedges, cubes, pyramids, amorphous forms, animal or dinosaurshapes as well as other forms that display the changing stress patternsformed by deformations of the photoelastic material. The forms are madein a variety of collectable shapes that create interesting stresspatterns.

Magnets may be embedded within photoelastic objects to apply forces forcreating fringe patterns. The magnets are molded into the photoelasticobject. The magnets either attract or repel the other magnets, formingnew and changeable fringe patterns. The magnets may also cause theindividual forms to attract and repel each other.

The magnets vary in placement, number of magnets per object, size,magnetic strength, shape and chemical makeup. The magnetic poles of themagnets can be arranged to create different optical effects. The magnetsthemselves may have a glossy finish to add effects caused by reflectionof light.

The plastic shape and embedded magnets can be formed to exploit otherpossible optical effects. For example, prism shapes, lens shapes, wedgeeffects from the interface between the magnet surface and the materialpresents an additional optical effect to entertain the user.

A polarizing film within, or covering the clear plastic of theentertainment device enhances the viewing effects. One or morepolarizing films may be attached to one or more outer surfaces of thephotoelastic material.

Alternatively, if the shapes do not have a polarizing film attached, thephotoelastic plastic shapes can be manipulated between two filmsseparated and supported by four posts disposed between the films. Twopolarizing films may also be mounted on separate stands to allow moreflexibility in viewing the optical effects.

Other options exist for viewing the photoelastic properties of thepresent invention. A polarized light source may be used. Light from thepolarized light source passes through a photoelastic object, through apair of polarized glasses and into the viewer's eyes. Alternatively,light from an unpolarized light source may pass through a polarizingfilm, through a photoelastic object and through a pair of polarizedglasses before reaching the viewer. Two polaroid films may be used toview the photoelastic object. The polaroid films are rotated withrespect to one another to increase or decrease the amount of lightpassing through the photoelastic object.

Another embodiment of the photoelastic entertainment device involvesforming the photoelastic material into a rope. When stretching forcesare applied to the rope, the forces create fringes that correlate to theamount of force applied.

Other optical effects may be incorporated into the present invention toenhance the viewing experience of the user. Bubbles or colloidalparticles may be dispersed within the molded object. These particlesaffect the fringe patterns. Similarly, discontinuities, such ascavities, notches and/or curvatures may be introduced to accentuate thefringe patterns through stress concentration. These and other stressconcentration techniques may also be employed to increase fringepatterns or to create specific patterns and designs, such as faces,flowers, etc. A thin air interface between embedded magnets or otherobjects and the photoelastic material produces interference patterns oflight. The surfaces of the embedded objects may be shiny or opaque. Thisin turn causes visual effects due to reflection or refraction of light.

Other optical effects may be employed in any embodiment of the presentinvention. This includes porosity of the photoelastic material,colloidal effects and other optical effects including reflection,magnification, diffraction, and interference patterns of light.Additionally, the shape of the photoelastic object may be formed to havethe effect of a prism.

Mirrored or other reflective surfaces may be used to enhance opticaleffects. An opaque object or a mirrored surface may be placed below orembedded within the transparent or translucent photoelastic material. Anexample of an embedded mirrored surface is an embedded magnet with aglossy surface. The magnet will create fringe patterns when brought nearother magnets and through the glossy, mirrored surface. The opaqueobject or mirrored surface may also be a characteristic of thephotoelastic object itself. A photoelastic material may be manipulatedbetween a separate mirrored surface and a polarized film.

The photoelastic entertainment device of the present invention may havean applied photoelastic coating. The applied photoelastic coating is aliquid paint coating or a flexible sheet coating that covers the object.Polarizing films are applied on a surface of the photoelastic materialor mounted separately from the photoelastic material. When multiplepolarizing films are rotated with respect to one another, thetransmission of light is controlled.

Manipulation of stress levels affects stress patterns. External forces,such as manual manipulation and/or one or more of the following:springs, strings, elastic bands, clamps, embedded and/or externallyplaced magnets and other devices may also be used to create interestingoptical effects. Additionally, any combination of devices may be used tocreate stress patterns. A photoelastic object may be molded with aninternal cavity. Another object, with a larger diameter than theinternal cavity, is inserted into the cavity. This causes stretching ofthe larger photoelastic object and creates fringe patterns. Sharpobjects may also be used to create fringe patterns.

Fixed, permanent fringes may be created within the photoelastic objectsthrough curing techniques and permanent deformation strategies.

A separate lens may be used to more easily view the visual effects. Alens may be embedded within the photoelastic object as well. Transparentor translucent protective coatings are applied over outer surfaces ofthe photoelastic material.

The purpose of the invention is to amuse as well as to stimulate aninterest in science and engineering in children and adults.

A new photoelastic entertainment device includes photoelastic materialmolded into shapes and one or more light polarizing films for viewingfringe patterns within the photoelastic materials caused by stress. Inone embodiment, one or more of the shapes are animal part shapes orshapes with holes or impressions shaped like animal parts. The animalparts may be teeth, claws, tusks, ears, eyes, noses, lips, hands, feet,toes, fingers, nails, hair, feathers, talons, wings, fins, beaks,flippers, or faces. In another embodiment, one or more of the shapes areanimal product shapes or shapes with holes or impressions shaped likeanimal products. The animal products may be spider webs, ant hills, beehives, birds' nests, eggs, tear drops, sea or snail shells, or wasteproducts. In another embodiment, one or more of the shapes are organshapes or shapes with holes or impressions shaped like one or moreorgans. The organs may be bones, hearts, brains, skulls, livers, lungs,or stomachs.

In another embodiment, one or more of the shapes are celestial objectshapes or shapes with holes or impressions shaped like one or morecelestial objects. The celestial objects may be planets, shooting stars,comets, sun or moon, or stars. The celestial objects may be stars. Inanother embodiment, one or more of the shapes are Holiday decoration orornament shapes or shapes with holes or impressions shaped like one ormore Holiday decorations or ornaments. The Holiday decorations orornaments may be Easter baskets or bunnies, masks, jackolanterns,candles, Santa Clauses, halos, candy canes, menorahs, or valentinehearts. In another embodiment, one or more of the shapes are householditem shapes in miniature or normal size or shapes with holes orimpressions shaped like one or more household items in miniature ornormal size. The household items may be hangers, knives, spoons, forks,plates, clothes, glasses, hats, cups, brooms, bottles, baby items,furniture, table clothes, writing pens or pencils, telephones, toothbrushes, combs, hair brushes, clocks, windows, or shoes. The householditems may be tablecloths, clothing, luggage, shoes, wallets, buttons,jewelry, frames, chairs, tables, bar stands, bottles, paper weights,pens, pencils, letter openers, boxes, trophies, containers, storagedevices, furniture, cloths, placemats, calendars, cups, saucers, plates,utensils, CD, DVD, video and record covers or containers, knobs,artificial flowers and plants, vases, or toothbrushes.

In another embodiment, one or more of the shapes are tool shapes inminiature or normal size or shapes with holes or impressions shaped likeone or more tools in miniature or normal size. The tools may be springs,nails, hammers, saws, wrenches, screw drivers, or drills. In anotherembodiment, one or more of the shapes are transportation object shapesor shapes with holes or impressions shaped like one or moretransportation objects. The transportation objects may be air planes,trains, bicycles, cars, scooters, or trucks. In another embodiment, oneor more of the shapes are musical instrument shapes or shapes with holesor impressions shaped like one or more musical instruments. The musicalinstruments may be horns, string instruments, flutes, pianos, or drums.In another embodiment, one or more of the shapes are sword shapes orshapes with holes or impressions shaped like one or more swords.

In another embodiment, one or more of the shapes are sports objectshapes or shapes with holes or impressions shaped like one or moresports objects. The sports objects may be rackets, darts, clubs,swimming gear, footballs, or golf clubs. The sports objects may beboxing glove or punching bag coverings, trampoline parts, bicycles,skates, punching bags, balls, discs, boomerangs, hoops, kites, jumpropes, bouncing objects, bats, rackets, paddles, or targets. In anotherembodiment, one or more of the shapes are deformed with holes orimpressions, in such a way as to create patterns of photoelastic fringesrecognizable as repeating or familiar patterns. The repeating orfamiliar patterns may be faces or a series of stars, triangles, orflowers. The repeating or familiar patterns may be faces or flowers.

In another embodiment, one or more of the shapes are shapes of one ormore named characters, creatures or items pertaining to a work or worksof fiction or shapes with holes or impressions shaped like one or morenamed characters, creatures or items pertaining to a work or works offiction. In another embodiment, one or more of the shapes are spiritualsymbol shapes or shapes with holes or impressions shaped like spiritualsymbols. The spiritual symbols may be crosses, I-Chings, Zodiacs, Halos,Trees of life, Ankhs, Elven Stars, Angelic and Satanic symbols, Caducei,Celtic knots, yin-yangs, or peace signs. In another embodiment, one ormore of the shapes are shapes of direction signs, punctuation marks,letters of the English alphabet or another language or numbers or shapeswith holes or impressions shaped like direction signs, punctuationmarks, letters of the English alphabet or another language or numbers.The punctuation marks may be question marks, exclamation points,periods, quotes, ampersands, at signs, dollar signs, percent signs,complete words, number signs, asterisks, commas, colons, or apostrophes.

In another embodiment, one or more of the shapes are food shapes orshapes with holes or impressions shaped like food. The food may besandwiches, ice cream, cones, lollipops, candies, or fruits. In anotherembodiment, one or more of the shapes are historic buildings ormonuments shapes or shapes with holes or impressions shaped likehistoric buildings or monuments. The historic buildings or monuments maybe the Taj Mahal, Pyramids, the Sphinx, the Statue of Liberty, the WhiteHouse, the Pentagon, the Washington Monument, the Leaning Tower of Pisa,or the United States Capital.

In another embodiment, one or more of the shapes are houses, log cabins,teepees, or igloos or shapes with holes or impressions shaped likehouses, log cabins, teepees, or igloos. In another embodiment, one ormore of the shapes are money, stamps, or flags or shapes with holes orimpressions shaped like money, stamps, or flags. In another embodiment,one or more of the shapes are medical equipment or shapes with holes orimpressions shaped like medical equipment. The medical equipment may bestethoscopes, otoscopes, ophthalmoscopes, or reflex hammers. In anotherembodiment, one or more of the shapes are rainbows, clouds, snowflakes,fire, sparks, lightning, fireworks, or flames or shapes with holes orimpressions shaped like rainbows, clouds, snowflakes, fire, sparks,lightning, fireworks, or flames.

In one embodiment, one or more of the light polarizing films are mountedon separate stands. In this embodiment, there may also be polarizingglasses and the light polarizing films mounted on separate stands may beoriented with respect to the polarizing glasses for optimal blockage oftransmitted light in viewing photoelastic objects. The separate standsmay be paper or cardboard frames and each of the paper or cardboardframes may be cut from a single piece of paper or cardboard and foldedso that it stands on its own with fanciful designs on the paper orcardboard frames to enhance their value as a toy. The separate standsmay be paper or cardboard frames and each of the paper or cardboardframes may include two separate pieces, one folded into a stand part,the other holding the polarizing film and mounted in the stand part,with fanciful designs on the paper or cardboard frames to enhance theirvalue as a toy.

One or more of the light polarizing films may be mounted in a cardboardor plastic stand, mounted by hanging, or mounted with suction cups oranother device to a window. One or more of the light polarizing filmsmay be mounted so that they can be rotated to regulate the transmissionof light with respect to polarizing glasses, another free standingpolarizing film, or a reflective surface.

The photoelastic entertainment device may also include a shatter proofreflective surface, with one or more of the light polarizing filmslining the reflective surface. It may include a reflective surface forviewing photoelastic fringes in plastics, for example using Brewster'sangle. This reflective surface may be shatter proof black plastic orcardboard.

The photoelastic material may be a deformable photoelastic device or apreformed photoelastic object.

These and further and other objects and features of the invention areapparent in the disclosure, which includes the above and ongoing writtenspecification, with the drawings.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

FIG. 1 is a perspective view of a molded photoelastic object with ageometric shape.

FIG. 2 is a perspective view of a sheet of photoelastic material.

FIG. 3 is a perspective view of a photoelastic object molded into theshape of a prism.

FIG. 4 is a perspective view of an amorphous shaped photoelastic object.

FIG. 5 is a star shaped photoelastic object with embedded magnets.

FIG. 6 is a perspective view of a photoelastic object with polarizingfilms covering each surface.

FIG. 7 is a perspective view of a photoelastic object with polarizingfilms molded into the object.

FIG. 8 is a perspective view of a molded photoelastic object between twosheets of polarizing film separated by posts.

FIG. 9 shows a photoelastic object between two movable polarizing films.

FIG. 10 shows a light source projecting light through a toy havingpolarizing films on opposite sides and projecting the patterns onto ascreen.

FIG. 11 shows a light source projecting light through a toy havingpolarizing films on opposite sides and projecting the patterns onto ascreen.

FIG. 12 shows a photoelastic object between two polarizing films thatare rotated to produce varying visual effects.

FIG. 13 shows a photoelastic object with colloidal particles dispersedwithin the object.

FIG. 14 shows a photoelastic object with a thin air interface within theobject.

FIG. 15 shows a photoelastic object with a spring between opposite endsfor creating optical effects.

FIG. 16 shows a photoelastic object with a string or elastic bandbetween opposite ends for creating optical effects.

FIG. 17 shows a photoelastic object being compressed on opposite sidesfor creating optical effects.

FIG. 18 shows a photoelastic object with an inner opening for receivingan insert that is larger than the opening for creating optical effects.

FIG. 19 shows two photoelastic objects with embedded magnets inproximity to one another for creating optical effects.

FIG. 20 shows a photoelastic object compressed by a clamp for producingoptical effects.

FIG. 21 shows a pointed object containing a photoelastic object forcreating optical effects visible through a lens.

FIG. 22 shows the use of reflection with photoelastic objects.

FIGS. 23 and 24 show three-dimensional formulations using reflection.

FIG. 25 shows a basic general description of embodiments usingreflection.

FIG. 26 shows an embodiment of a photoelastic device with embeddedmagnets and reflections.

FIG. 27 shows the embedded magnet embodiment of FIG. 26 with thepolarizing film not attached to the photoelastic object.

FIG. 28 shows a reflective coating application accessible in threedimensions.

FIG. 29 is an embodiment of a candleholder or light fixture.

FIG. 30 shows photoelastic entertainment devices deformed to createrecognizable patterns of photoelastic fringes.

FIG. 31 shows light polarizing films mounted by various means.

FIG. 32 is a shatter proof reflective surface lined with lightpolarizing film.

FIGS. 33-38 show shapes which the photoelastic material can be moldedinto.

FIG. 39 shows a sky kaleidoscope system, in an embodiment.

FIG. 40 shows the sky kaleidoscope system of FIG. 39 in a reverseorientation.

FIG. 41 shows a sky kaleidoscope system, in another embodiment.

FIG. 42 shows a sky kaleidoscope system using adhesive tape, in anembodiment.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS

The present invention is a toy made of a soft deformable photoelasticplastic material. The toy may have one or more magnets embedded withinthe photoelastic plastic material. Magnets or other devices apply forceon the material, deform it, and create fringes generated by theresultant stress pattern.

FIG. 1 shows a geometric shaped photoelastic object 1. Generally, thephotoelastic material is a transparent solid. However, the degree oftransparency or opacity may vary to enhance the visual characteristicsand create different effects in different molded objects. A singleobject may have regions that are transparent, some regions that areopaque and some regions that are translucent or any combination thereof.

The photoelastic material has characteristics that vary within the sameitem or from item to item. The chemical makeup of the plastic may varyas long as the plastic is photoelastic. The photoelastic material mayalso vary in its modulus of elasticity to create variable opticalcharacteristics when stressed. The photoelastic material may be clear orcolored. Additionally, color may be varied from one object to another orcolor can be varied within the same item. Areas of a single photoelasticobject can be blue, another red, a third yellow, etc.

The photoelastic object 1 is molded into various shapes and sizes. FIG.2 shows a photoelastic object 3 molded into a thin pliable sheet. FIG. 3shows a photoelastic object 5 molded into the shape of a prism. FIG. 4shows a photoelastic object molded into an amorphous shape 7. The shapesof the toys may also be spheres, stars, lenses, wedges, cubes, pyramids,springs, as well as other forms that display the changing stresspatterns formed by deformations of the photoelastic material. The formsare made in a variety of collectable shapes that create visuallyinteresting stress patterns. Additionally, objects can be molded intoanimal shapes or dinosaur shapes to appeal to children.

FIG. 5 shows magnets 9 embedded within photoelastic material 11 to applyforces for creating new fringe patterns. The magnets 9 are molded intothe photoelastic object 11. The magnets 9 either attract or repel theother magnets 9, forming new and changeable fringe patterns. The magnets9 may also cause the individual forms to attract and repel each other.

The magnets 9 vary in placement, number of magnets 9 per object 11,size, magnetic strength, shape and chemical makeup. The magnetic polesof the magnets 9 can be arranged to create different optical effects.

The plastic shapes 11 and embedded magnets 9 can be formed to exploitother possible optical effects. For example, prism shapes, lens shapes,wedge effects from the interface between the magnet surface 9 and thematerial 11 presents an additional optical effect to entertain the user.

FIG. 6 shows a polarizing film 13 covering a molded photoelastic plasticobject 15. One or more polarizing films 13 are attached to one or moresides of a molded photoelastic object 15. The polarizing film 13 allowsthe user to view the fringe effects.

FIG. 7 shows a molded photoelastic object 17 with a polarizing film 19embedded within the object 17. The object 17 is transparent. The film 19and the object 17 may have any shape or configuration. Varying theshapes creates different visual effects.

FIG. 8 shows a photoelastic object 21 between two sheets 23, 25 ofpolarizing film. If the shapes 21 do not have a polarizing filmattached, the plastic shapes 21 can be manipulated between two films 23,25 to show fringe effects. The films 23, 25 are separated and supportedby four posts 27 disposed between the films 23, 25. The posts 27 arelocated at the corners of the roughly rectangular sheets 23, 25. Thesheets 23, 25 are spaced to allow a user to manually manipulate theobject 21 while it is held between the sheets 23, 25. The observer 29views the object 21 through the first polarizing film 23. Light reachesthe viewer 29 through one film 25, through the object 21, and thenthrough the other film 23.

FIG. 9 shows a photoelastic object 31 between two separate sheets 33, 35of polarizing film. If the shapes 31 do not have a polarizing filmattached, the plastic shapes 31 are manipulated between two films 33, 35to show fringe effects. A viewer 37 observes light 39 from a lightsource 41 that passes through a first polarizing film 33, the object 31and a second polarizing film 35. Each polarizing film 33, 35 may have astand 43 for placing the films 33, 35 in various positions. This freesup the user's hands to manipulate the object 31. The films 33, 35 areplaced in different relative positions to create different visualeffects.

FIG. 10 shows polarized light 45 from a polarized light source 47passing through a photoelastic object 49. The polarized light 45 thenpasses through a pair of polarized glasses 51 worn by a user. In thisembodiment, the photoelastic object 49 does not have any attachedpolarizing films. The polarized light source 47 and polarized glasses 51provide the means to view the resulting fringe patterns. A polarizedfilm may be attached directly to the light source 47.

FIG. 11 shows another embodiment of the present invention. In thisembodiment, light 53 from the sun or another unpolarized light source 55passes through a first light polarizing film 59. The light 53 thenpasses through a photoelastic object 57 and then through a secondpolarizing film 59. Polarizing films are applied directly to thephotoelastic object 57. A screen 60 may be mounted on a stand 63 to freethe hands of the user to manipulate the photoelastic object 57. Placingstresses on the object in various configurations changes the fringesshown on the screen.

FIG. 12 shows the use of polaroids 65, 67 with a photoelastic object 69.Light 71 travels from a light source 73 through a first polaroid 65. Thefirst polaroid 65 is rotated in relation to the light source 73. Thelight 71 then passes through the photoelastic object 69 and onto thesecond polaroid 67. This polaroid 67 is also rotated in relation to thefirst polaroid 65, reducing light transmission. The remaining light 71then passes through the second polaroid 67 and into the eye 75 of theviewer. The polaroids 65, 67 may be placed on the surface of thephotoelastic object 69. The placement of the polaroids 65, 67 on thesurface of the photoelastic material 69 or on separate mounts may bevaried in order to vary the amount of light 71 transmitted.

Other optical effects may be incorporated into the present invention toenhance the viewing experience of the user. FIG. 13 shows a photoelasticobject 77 with bubbles or colloidal particles 79 dispersed within themolded object 77. These particles 79 affect the fringe patterns. FIG. 14shows magnets 81 or other objects embedded within a molded photoelasticobject 83. A thin air interface 84 between the embedded objects 81 andthe photoelastic material 83 produces interference patterns of light.The surface of the embedded objects 81 may be shiny or opaque. This inturn causes visual effects due to reflection or refraction or light.

Other optical effects may be employed in any embodiment of the presentinvention. This includes porosity of the photoelastic material,colloidal effects and other optical effects including magnification,reflection, diffraction, and interference patterns of light.Additionally, the shape of the photoelastic object may be formed to havethe effect of a prism.

Manipulation of stress levels affects stress patterns. External forces,such as manual manipulation, springs, strings, elastic bands, clamps,embedded and/or externally placed magnets and other devices may also beused to create interesting optical effects.

FIG. 15 shows an elongated photoelastic object 85 with a spring 87connected between opposite ends 89, 91 of the object 85. The spring 87may have different tensions and different tensions may be combined withobjects 85 of varying modulus of elasticity. Each change creates a newand unique fringe pattern in the photoelastic object 85.

FIG. 16 shows an elongated photoelastic object 93 with a string orelastic band 95 between opposite ends 97, 99 of the object 93. Thestring or elastic band 95 creates stress within the photoelectric object93. The stress then creates fringe patterns that are viewable to theuser.

FIG. 17 shows a photoelastic object 101 being deformed by externalstress 103. External stresses can be applied in a variety of positionsand combinations to create different patterns.

Another method of inducing stress, shown in FIG. 18, is to create amolded photoelastic object 105 with an interior cavity 107. Anotherobject 109, which may or may not be photoelastic, is inserted into thecavity 107. The second object 109 is larger in dimension than theinterior cavity 107. The stretching of the larger photoelastic object105 creates stresses that are seen in fringe patterns.

FIG. 19 shows one or more magnets 111 embedded within a photoelasticobject 113 creating stresses. The magnets 111 within the same objectattract or repel each other with force 115, deforming the photoelasticobject 113. Additionally, more than one photoelastic objects 113 withembedded magnets 111 may be brought near each other. The force 117between the magnets 111, in different objects 113, creates stresses inboth photoelastic objects 113. The force 117 may cause the objects 113to attract and stick together, causing more fringe patterns in each, orthe force 117 may cause the objects 113 to repel each other.

FIG. 20 shows a photoelastic material 119 being deformed by a clamp 121.The photoelastic object 119 is placed between the ends 123, 125 of theclamp 121 and the clamp is tightened by a tightening mechanism 127. Asthe clamp 121 is tightened, the fringe patterns change as a result ofchanging stress levels.

FIG. 21 shows that lenses 129 may be separately provided to magnify theoptical effects of the present invention. A viewer 131 views aphotoelastic object 133 through the lens 129. A sharp object 135 may beused to create fringe patterns 137. One or more sharp objects 135 may beused to create various optical effects.

A photoelastic coating is applied to objects as a liquid to be paintedor as a flexible sheet. Fringes may be observed as unpolarized lightreflects off a surface of an opaque, coated object or off a mirroredsurface beneath a transparent or translucent coated object through apolarizing film or films. The polarizing film or films may be applied onthe surface of the coating on the object or mounted separate from theobject. The mirrored surface may be separate from the object, embeddedin the object, or a characteristic of the object itself. An example of acoated object is a magnet with a glossy finish. Other examples arepossible. More than one such object would be able to attract and/orrepel other objects. If more than one polarizing film is used, these canbe rotated with respect to one another to control the transmission oflight.

FIG. 22 shows the use of reflection with photoelastic objects. Aphotoelastic object 139 is composed of multiple layers. The base layer141 is a reflective surface, coating or sheet. The next layer 143 is aphotoelastic sheet or coating. The next layer 145 is a polarizing film.The final layer 147 in FIG. 22 is a protective transparent coating orsheet. The photoelastic object 139 may be a flexible sheet, such as atablecloth, clothing, trampoline parts, boxing glove or punching bagcoverings, hand bags or other bags, luggage, shoes, wallets, buttons,jewelry, decorations, frames and many other materials. Layering withreflective materials may also be applied to more rigid applications onitems such as chairs, tables, bar stands, bottles, paper weights, pens,pencils, letter openers, boxes, business cards, greeting cards, petitems, decorative features on cars, bicycles, skates, tools, and manyother uses.

Applied force 149 causes the deformation of the object 139. Examples ofapplied force 149 include folding, gravity, placement of dishes on aphotoelastic tablecloth, persons sitting on photoelastic chairs,punching a photoelastic punching bag or grasping a pen. Unpolarizedlight 151 can be from a lamp, candle, the sun or even ambient light. Thelight 151 passes through layers 143, 145, 147 and is reflected off layer141. Reflected light 151 then passes back through layers 143, 145, 147and onto the observer 153.

Photoelastic effects can be used to create fixed, permanent fringeswithin photoelastic objects through curing techniques and permanentdeformation strategies. Permanent deformation strategies create fixedstress patterns in photoelastic plastics. Deformation may be permanentlyfixed into the photoelastic sheet or coating, creating permanently fixedfringes by unequal cooling or applied forces during the formative stagesof photoelastic material.

FIGS. 23 and 24 show three-dimensional formulations using reflection.The center 155 of a photoelastic object 157 is made of a reflectivesurface. A photoelastic layer 159 surrounds the central layer 155. Apolarizing film 161 surrounds the photoelastic layer 159, and aprotective transparent or translucent layer 163 surrounds the polarizingfilm 161. Unpolarized light 165 passes through layers 159, 161, 163 andis reflected off layer 155. Reflected light 167 then passes back throughlayers 159, 161, 163 and onto the observer 169. A force 171 fromstretching creates fringe patterns 173.

Photoelastic materials, such as in FIGS. 23 and 24, may be used forropes. A rope 157 is designed with photoelastic effects such that thenumber or fringes 173 in a stretched state corresponds to the amount offorce applied. This is both a practical and entertaining use of fringematerials. Force measurements are made with the rope 157. Alternatively,the rope 157 may be used for tug-of-war contests or to encouragephysical exercise in children and adults.

Additionally, transparent or translucent molded photoelastic objects canbe manipulated between a mirror and a polarizing film or films.

FIG. 25 shows a basic general description of formulations usingreflection. One or more polarizing films 175 are used. If more than onefilm 175 is used, the films 175 can rotate with respect to one anotherto control the transmission of light 177. The films 175 may be mountedseparately, directly bonded to the surface of a photoelastic object 179,or embedded within the photoelastic object 179. The photoelastic object179 is translucent or transparent and varies in size, shape, chemicalmakeup, modulus of elasticity, color, degree of transparency within oneobject or from object to object. The photoelastic object 179 is placedover a mirrored surface 181. Force 183 is applied to the photoelasticobject 179 by magnets, strings, clamps, springs, manual manipulation orother devices. The light 177 passes through the one or more films 175,through the photoelastic object 179, and onto the mirrored surface 181.Reflected light 185 then travels back through the photoelastic object179, the one or more films 175 and onto the observer 187. Additionally,fringe patterns may be projected onto a screen 189 and viewed by anobserver behind the screen 191 or in front of the screen 193.

FIGS. 26 and 27 show formulations using reflections and magnets. Thecenters 195 of photoelastic objects 197 are magnets made with reflectivesurfaces. Photoelastic layers 199 surround the central layers 195.Polarizing films 201 surround the photoelastic layers 199, andprotective transparent or translucent layers may surround the polarizingfilms 201. Unpolarized light 205 passes through layers 199, 201 and isreflected off layers 195. Reflected light 207 then passes back throughlayers 199, 201 and onto the observer 209. Magnetic forces 211 eitherattract or repel and create fringe patterns.

FIG. 27 shows the embedded magnet embodiment of FIG. 26 with thepolarizing film 201 not attached to the photoelastic object 197. Thepolarizing film 201 may be mounted to free the hands of the observer209. A pair of films 201 may be used to control the transmission oflight 205.

FIG. 28 shows a reflective coating application accessible in threedimensions. A central reflective surface 213 is shaped as a square orrectangle. Photoelastic material 215 covers each side of the reflectivesurfaces 213. Polarizing films 217 are attached to or embedded withinthe photoelastic material 215 on all sides. A transparent or translucentprotective coating 219 is then applied to all sides of the object 221.Unpolarized light 223 passes through layers 219, 217, 215 and onto thereflective surface 213. Reflected light 225 then travels back throughlayers 215, 217, 219 and onto the observer 227. Magnets, strings,clamps, springs, manual manipulation, or other devices to create fringepatterns apply force 229. The observer 227 can observe fringes on one ormore sides of the object 221.

FIG. 29 is an embodiment of a candleholder or light fixture. A lightsource 231 is placed in the center of the photoelastic object 233. Alight bulb may be a polarized or unpolarized light source 231. Otherlight sources 231 may include a candle, the sun or ambient light inrelated applications. Light 235 is emitted from the light source 231 andpasses through the object 233 and onto the observer 237. Thephotoelastic object 233 is composed of a central photoelastic layer 239covered by a polarizing film 241 on all sides. The inner layer ofpolarizing film 241 may be excluded if the light source 231 ispolarized. The photoelastic material 239 may be of any thickness,including a painted coating. The photoelastic material 239 may be of anycolor, chemical composition, modulus of elasticity, or degree oftransparency. Deformation may be permanently fixed into the photoelasticsheet or coating, creating permanently fixed fringes by unequal coolingor applied forces during the formative stages of photoelastic material.

FIG. 30 shows photoelastic entertainment devices deformed to createrecognizable patterns of photoelastic fringes. Photoelastic material 243is deformed with holes or impressions to create recognizablephotoelastic fringe patterns. The patterns may be faces 245, stars 247,triangles 249, or flowers 251, for example.

FIG. 31 shows light polarizing films mounted by various means. Lightpolarizing films 253 may be mounted on separate stands 255, which may becardboard or plastic, and in polarizing glasses 257 and may be orientedwith respect to the polarizing glasses for optimal blockage oftransmitted light in viewing photoelastic objects. The films 253 mayalso be mounted by hanging from another object 259 or with suction cups261 to a window 263. The films may be mounted in stands 265 that are cutfrom a single piece of paper or cardboard and folded so that they standon their own. There may be fanciful designs 267 on these stands.Alternatively, a stand 269 may be a two-piece frame with a bottom foldedstand part 271 and another part 273 that holds the polarizing film andis mounted in the stand part 271.

FIG. 32 is a shatter proof reflective surface 275 lined with lightpolarizing film 277.

FIGS. 33-38 show shapes which the photoelastic material can be moldedinto. FIG. 33 shows photoelastic material molded into the shape of teeth279, claws 281, tusks 283, ears 285, eyes 287, noses 289, lips 291,hands 293, feet 295, toes 297, fingers 299, nails 301, hair 303,feathers 305, talons 307, wings 309, fins 311, beaks 313, flippers 315,faces 317, spider webs 319, ant hills 321, bee hives 323, birds' nests325, eggs 327, tear drops 329, sea or snail shells 331, waste products333, bones 335, hearts 337, brains 339, skulls 341, livers 343, lungs344, stomachs 345, planets 347, shooting stars 349, comets 351, sun 353or moon 355, stars 357, Easter baskets 359 or bunnies, masks 361,jackolanterns 363, candles 365, Santa Clauses 367, halos 369, candycanes 371, menorahs 373, or valentine hearts 375.

FIG. 34 shows photoelastic material molded into the shape of hangers377, knives 379, spoons 381, forks 383, plates 385, clothes 387, glasses389, hats 391, cups 393, brooms 395, bottles 397, baby items 399,furniture 401, table clothes 403, writing pens 405 or pencils 407,telephones 409, tooth brushes 411, combs 413, hair brushes 415, clocks417, windows 419, shoes 421, luggage 423, wallets 425, buttons 427,jewelry 431, frames 433, chairs 435, tables 437, bar stands 439, paperweights 441, letter openers 443, boxes 445, or trophies 447.

FIG. 35 shows photoelastic material molded into the shape of containers449, storage devices 451, cloths 453, placemats 455, calendars 457, cups459, saucers 461, CD or DVD 463, video and record covers or containers465, knobs 467, artificial flowers 469, vases 471, springs 473, nails475, hammers 477, saws 479, wrenches 481, screw drivers 483, drills 485,air planes 487, trains 489, bicycles 491, cars 493, scooters 495, trucks497, horns 499, string instruments 501, flutes 503, pianos 505, drums507, swords 509, rackets 511, darts 513, or clubs 515.

FIG. 36 shows photoelastic material molded into the shape of swimminggear 517, footballs 519, boxing glove 521 or punching bag 523 coverings,trampoline parts 525, skates 527, balls 529, discs 531, boomerangs 533,hoops 535, kites 537, jump ropes 539, bouncing objects 541, bats 543,paddles 545, targets 547, crosses 549, I-Chings 551, Zodiacs 553, Treesof life 555, Ankhs 557, Elven Stars 559, Angelic 561 and Satanic 563symbols, Caducei 565, Celtic knots 567, yin-yangs 569, or peace signs571.

FIG. 37 shows photoelastic material molded into the shape of directionsigns 573, letters 579, numbers 581, question marks 575, exclamationpoints 577, periods 583, quotes 587, ampersands 589, at signs 591,dollar signs 593, percent signs 595, complete words 597, number signs601, asterisks 603, commas 585, colons 605, apostrophes 607, sandwiches609, ice cream 611, cones 613, lollipops 615, candies 617, fruits 619,the Taj Mahal 621, Pyramids 623, the Sphinx 625, the Statue of Liberty627, the White House 629, the Pentagon 631, the Washington Monument 633,or the Leaning Tower of Pisa 635.

FIG. 38 shows photoelastic material molded into the shape of the UnitedStates Capital 637, houses 639, log cabins 641, teepees 643, igloos 645,money 647, stamps 649, flags 651, stethoscopes 653, otoscopes 655,ophthalmoscopes 656, reflex hammers 657, rainbows 659, clouds 661,snowflakes 663, fire 665, sparks 667, lightning 669, fireworks 671, orflames 673.

The purpose of the present invention is to amuse as well as to stimulatean interest in science and engineering in children and adults.

Photoelasticity can be applied to art, artifacts and toys. Examples ofuses of photoelastic materials include, but are not limited to: paperweights, trophies, office and household decorations, wall fixtures,embellishment designs on clocks and telephones, designs of candleholders or light fixtures, office supplies including business cards,pens and pencils, holiday decorations, ornaments, bottles for variouspurposes, containers, storage devices, boxes, furniture, cloths,greeting cards, jewelry, features for decorative windows, placemats,calendars, cups, saucers, plates, utensils, letter openers, CD, DVD,video and record covers or containers, covers generally, knobs, handles,balls, discs, boomerangs, hoops, tubes, hoses, display mounts, kites,flying toys or artifacts, musical toys or artifacts, dart games, musicalinstruments, exercise or sports related devices, costumes, masks,swords, jump ropes, bouncing objects, balloons, other inflatableobjects, switches, bats, rackets, paddles, hooks, targets, walkingcanes, sticks, frames for glasses, pictures or photos, umbrellas,wheels, wrapping paper and material, ribbons, bows, ties, artificialflowers and plants, vases, posters, plaques, awards, certificates,signs, book covers, pillows gardening supplies, tools, plastic coveringsfor electronics, i.e. laptops, mp3 players, video game consoles,toothbrushes, and computer games.

The photoelastic material may be a soft plastic, 65 or less Shore A,which exhibits a watery fluid stress color effect. When gentlymanipulated, the stress colors produced by such a material appear toflow like water. On such soft plastic, manipulators such as clamps orscrews could be used not for hard force but only to position, usinggentle force. By fixing the material in place with a screw or clamp, theuser's hands are freed to manipulate the material or other objects.

FIGS. 39-42 shows sky kaleidoscope polariscope toys. FIG. 39 shows a skykaleidoscope system 3900, in an embodiment. With this polariscope toy,the sky 3950 serves as a polarizer and two distinct colorfulphotoelastic designs 3960, 3970 sandwiching a polarizing film 3930 canbe viewed alternatively. The designs are here incorporated in injectionmolded plastic plates 3920, 3940 and maybe 2D or 3D. Althoughillustrated in exploded fashion, for ease of use the plates 3920, 3940may be removably or permanently bonded to each other with the polarizingfilm 3930 between them. Rainbow colors are visible when an injectionmolded plate 3920, 3940 is viewed between two polarizers. In the caseshown, with a user 3910 holding the system 3900 up to the sky 3950, thesky 3950 acts as one of the polarizers. From this view only the rainbowcolors from the second design 3970 are visible. The first design 3960 isnot between two polarizers and so rainbow colors are not visible in thefirst design 3960 in this orientation. As the designs 3960, 3970 arehere clear, the first design 3960 is essentially invisible while it doesnot exhibit rainbow coloration.

FIG. 40 shows the sky kaleidoscope system of FIG. 39 in a reverseorientation. When the user 3910 turns the sky kaleidoscope 3900 aroundso that the opposite, first design 3960 is now between the sky 3950 andthe polarizing film 3930, rainbow colors are only seen from the firstdesign 3960. Rotation of the polarizing film 3930 (for example byrotation of a plates/film sandwich) against the sky 3950 results incolors changing like a kaleidoscope. In embodiments, the film 4230 maybe rotatable separately from the plates 4220, 4240, which may bedesirable for example where the design is not symmetrical or it mayotherwise be desirable for the design to be static while the colorschange. For example, the film 4230 and plates 4220, 4240 may beconnected by a pin through their middles, around which the film mayrotate, for example by turning a tab or other projection protruding fromthe edge of the film 4230.

FIG. 41 shows a sky kaleidoscope system 4100, in another embodiment.Here, an additional injection molded design 4145 is between twopolarizing films 4130, 4150, all three of which are in turn between twoother injection molded designs 4125, 4165, such that two designs (here4145, 4165) overlap in a display of photoelastic colors when viewed withthe polarizing effects of the sky 4170. A new colorful pattern iscreated by turning the device around so that the opposite plate 4120 isbetween the sky 4170 and the film closest to the viewer 4130. Thecentral design 4145 may be 2D for ease of adhesion with polarizing films4130, 4150 while outer designs 4125, 4165 may be raised. The polarizingfilms 4130, 4150 are oriented parallel to one another to maximize lighttransmission with respect to the sky 4170.

FIG. 42 shows a sky kaleidoscope system 4200 using adhesive tape, in anembodiment. Instead of injection molded plates, adhesive cellophane4220, 4240 is applied directly to the polarizing film to create twodistinct colorful designs 4225, 4245, due to the diffracting effects ofthe cellophane. For example, adhesive tape may be used to create thedesigns 4225, 5245. Alternatively, adhesive cellophane may be applied tosheets of cellophane that are attached reversibly to the film 4230, orthe film 4230 may be inserted within cellophane envelopes on which theadhesive cellophane may be attached. Such embodiments allow for easycreation of new designs and swapping of designs for variety.

A kit may be provided, which allows a user to make such skykaleidoscopes. The kit may include one or more adhesive cellophanedesigns, cellophane sheets, cellophane envelopes, stress freetransparent plastic plates, and/or polarizing films, as well asdirections. Because the plates are stress-free, they will not exhibitbirefringence when sandwiched between polarizing films, and thus willnot interfere with the patterns of the cellophane or otherphotoelastic/diffracting designs. The cellophane envelopes may cover thepolarizing films and protect them during use. Nonadhesive cellophanesheets may be provided for use as canvases for cut outs from adhesivecellophane sheets. The cellophane canvases with the designs may beattached to the polarizing film with removable clips and/or otherfasteners, allowing reuse of the film and saving of the designs. In thisway, designs may be easily saved and interchanged.

While the invention has been described with reference to specificembodiments, modifications and variations of the invention may beconstructed without departing from the scope of the invention.

I claim:
 1. A sky kaleidoscope system, comprising a polarizing film; afirst plastic plate having a first transparent design; and a secondplastic plate having a second transparent design; wherein the polarizingfilm is sandwiched between the first plastic plate and the secondplastic plate; wherein the first and second transparent designs are atleast one of photoelastic and light diffracting.
 2. The system of claim1, wherein at least one of the first transparent design and the secondtransparent design is formed with layered adhesive cellophane.
 3. Thesystem of claim 1, wherein at least one of the first plastic plate andthe second plastic plate is injection-molded, with the correspondingdesign formed during injection molding.
 4. The system of claim 1,wherein at least one of the first transparent design and the secondtransparent design is three-dimensional and extends above a surface ofthe plate the design is on.
 5. The system of claim 1, further comprisinga third plastic plate having a third transparent design and a secondpolarizing film, wherein the second polarizing film is sandwichedbetween the second plastic plate and the third plastic plate.
 6. Thesystem of claim 1, further comprising a mechanism configured to rotatethe polarizing film separately from the plastic plates.
 7. The system ofclaim 1, wherein the polarizing films and plastic plates are permanentlybonded.
 8. The system of claim 1, wherein the polarizing films andplastic plates are removably attached.
 9. The system of claim 1, whereinthe polarizing film completely covers the first and second designs. 10.The system of claim 1, wherein the first and second plastic platescomprise sheets of cellophane and the first and second designs compriseadhesive cellophane attached to the first and second plastic plates. 11.The system of claim 1, wherein the first and second plastic platescomprise two sides of a cellophane envelope and the first and seconddesigns are adhered to and/or part of the sides of the cellophaneenvelope.
 12. A method of using the system of claim 1, comprisingholding the system up to the sky and looking through the plastic platesand polarizing film to view resulting rainbow colors in the first orsecond transparent design.
 13. The method of claim 12, furthercomprising rotating the polarizing film.
 14. The method of claim 12,further comprising flipping the system over, holding up the flippedsystem to the sky and looking through the plastic plates and polarizingfilm.
 15. The method of claim 12, further comprising removing the firstor second plastic plate and replacing it with another plastic plate. 16.The method of claim 15, further comprising placing adhesive tape on theanother plastic plate to form another transparent design.
 17. The methodof claim 12, further comprising removing the polarizing film from thefirst and second plastic plates and placing it in a cellophane envelopehaving other transparent designs on first and second sides. holding thesystem up to the sky and looking through the cellophane envelope andpolarizing film to view resulting rainbow colors in the othertransparent designs.
 18. A sky kaleidoscope system, comprising apolarizing film; a first transparent design on a first side of thepolarizing film; and a second transparent design on a second side of thepolarizing film; wherein the polarizing film is sandwiched between thefirst transparent design and the second transparent design; wherein thefirst and second transparent designs are at least one of photoelasticand light diffracting.